Gauging interest ~ Pet Supplies/Treats/Toys Swap after the holidays

[Mkia]

Hey all! Sunshine, Madhatterda, and I were all discussing the possibility of a pet supply/treats/toys swap after the holidays. We were commenting on how much we spend on our animals and how much we love to buy them new things, so why not do a swap for our pets! It seems like when the pet question comes up in our "people" swaps, everyone is super excited to share pictures and stories!

We want to see what kind of interest there is for something like this!!

We were toying around with a budget of about $20...with maybe a $5 extras budget for "parent" goodies. (Hey, we deserve a treat, too!). If you're interested, would you be okay with this budget? Do you think someone could get enough items for your pet in this budget?

Also, it was mentioned that many pets (like one of mine) have allergies, which would need to be communicated and the partner would need to be okay with the idea of shopping around said allergy. For example, my dog is allergic to wheat, beef, and bird meat. So any treats for her would need to be salmon, sweet potato, etc. It'd also be important to add whether you are okay with feeding your animals certain things...again for example: someone only feeds their animal treats made in the US due to contamination of products made in China/other countries.

And of course, you'd have to include the things your pet likes!!

So....any interest?

[himmie]

I am definitely interested in a swap like this! I might have trouble staying within that budget though, I tend to go a little crazy when shopping for pet gifts.

[Sunshine]

Obviously I'm supportive of this - but I did want to add too - we definitely want to see people with all kinds of pets, not just your more common dogs and kitties - it would be fun to see small animals, birds, reptiles, fish, livestock, etc!!

We were thinking that if you had a more "unique" pet that as a pet parent you might be able to give some insight into things you buy for them, in case your partner doesn't have, or has no experience with, that particular kind of pet.

Himmie - budgets are always relative, but, we didn't want this to be a really expensive swap right after the holidays

[pyrodarknessanny]

interesting idea , would this be open internationally or just for USA members? 

[Mkia]

interesting idea , would this be open internationally or just for USA members?

I think we could open it internationally, but my concern with that is the different things you can and can't send internationally. Some countries have issues with different foods/straw/etc. So we would definitely need to take that into account.

[Kiwi]

Definitely sounds interesting I know our buns always love treats (they recognize certain boxes and go nuts if they see it, even from across the room).

[Sunshine]

interesting idea , would this be open internationally or just for USA members?

I think we could open it internationally, but my concern with that is the different things you can and can't send internationally. Some countries have issues with different foods/straw/etc. So we would definitely need to take that into account.

Definitely! We don't want to exclude anyone but, some countries are much more strict on "food" and "pet foods" moving through the mail, I think someone had mentioned Australia is weird about straw? So... yeah I think if someone lives outside the US - they would have to make sure they were up to date on anything related to shipping food/stuff through customs

[kaoskat]

Sounds neat. I might be interested.

[melodys_angel]

Aww, sounds interesting

[slj84]

I would be interested!  I have 2-4 dogs (2 live at my parents and are technically theirs, but I love them like mine). And a kitten. 

I'm with others on the treats, I have one with allergies (soy, carrots, white potatoes, corn, venison, alfalfa and Timothy), and I only will buy treats made in the USA and no jerky treats.   Toy wise though I'm not picky but my dogs arn't too destructive with them.  They occasionally will gut the stuffing out.

Jasper my kitten is kinda a nut.  Food wise he only gets his kitten food right now, not getting any treats yet.  Toys is a free for all with him.  Anything that moves is a toy.

[banditpony]

Treats? Noodle says yes.

I'll have to think about it. It's a good thing it'll be after the holidays...

[Vintergatan]

blegh I'd so join if I didn't live in ImportTaxLand

[barbgirl1999]

I'd DEFINITELY be interested in a swap like this, especially if it's after the holidays.  I've got a puppy, 3 rabbits, and 3 guinea pigs so treats are always welcome here!

[Mkia]

I'd DEFINITELY be interested in a swap like this, especially if it's after the holidays.  I've got a puppy, 3 rabbits, and 3 guinea pigs so treats are always welcome here!

I've got five dogs, five guinea pigs, and two rats xD. So they always love treats and toys! xP

[NovelNerd]

Woo late to the party. I think the biggest thing as mentioned above with people outside the U.S. participating would be knowing your areas mail restrictions. We wouldn't want anyone buying things for a swap partner that couldn't be mailed to their country.

Just because everyone else is doing it two dogs and four horses....I'm hoping someone adds a hedgehog to that list for Christmas.